A Sensitive Radar Search for Small Natural Satellites of the Earth.

Abstract

We have used radar tracking data from NORAD to perform a sensitive search for small natural satellites of the Earth. This search would be sensitive to satellites ranging from 5 cm in diameter with perigee heights 400 km to about 40 cm with perigees 10000 km. While a few unidentified objects were found, these were all near transfer orbits likely to contain debris from satellite launches. No objects that are unlikely to be manmade were seen. Keywords include: Search for Natural Satellites of Earth; Radar; and Satellite search.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 1985
Accession Number
ADA167777

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Longo

Organizations

  • University of Michigan

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cameras
  • Detection
  • Diameters
  • Earth Orbits
  • Eccentric Orbits
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Orbital Inclination
  • Orbits
  • Perigees
  • Radar
  • Radar Cross Sections
  • Radar Tracking
  • Solar System
  • Transfer Orbits

Readers

  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Space Objects